Family-run second-hand clothing business La La Vintage moves into new premises on Bartholomew Street
One family’s collective love for vintage fashion has spawned a new retail business in Newbury town centre.
La La Vintage, a second-hand clothing shop that first opened in the Kennet Shopping centre in October, has already moved into a bigger space at 1 Bartholomew Street – the former premises of Snappy Snaps – due to its popularity.
Owned and managed by the Lewis’, all six members (plus their beloved dog Olive) take part in running the family business.
Laura Lewis said: “We just want there to be a nice place for people to come and shop in and not always have to go out of town or buy online.”
Mrs Lewis, along with her husband Rhys and their children Charlie, 18, Max, 16, Alfie, 15, and Immy (nine), wanted to bring a fresh retail opportunity to Newbury which specialised in pre-loved and pre-worn clothing.
Several of the Lewis children used to travel around London searching for the best second-hand bargains and vintage gems.
After Mr Lewis’ father passed away, the family decided to use the inheritance money to channel their interest in vintage clothing into a business opportunity and start La La Vintage, the name of which references Mr Lewis’ late father Larry.
Mrs Lewis said: “We try to keep our prices relatively reasonable because we don’t want to rip people off, especially young people.
“Some items have a price and you can’t argue with that. They’re very old and very rare and people love them.
“But actually, with the bulk of it, like the sweaters and the T-shirts, we want people to buy them, enjoy them, and maybe not buy fast fashion as their first thought.”
The shop stocks a wide variety of trendy unisex items including classic band T-shirts, old sports jerseys and colourful track jackets.
La La also stocks streetwear staple brands such as Carhartt, Stüssy and Patagonia, as well as re-worked unique creations from independent retailers and some children’s offerings.
Since the move on April 1, the store has expanded its clientele, with customers of all ages discovering the advantages of buying second-hand.
Mrs Lewis added: “If they’ve made it this far these clothes, then you know they’re going to keep going for a bit longer.”
La La Vintage is open on Thursday 1pm to 5pm, Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 3pm at 1 Bartholomew Street.
